When my truck is idling the RPM's hover just above 1000, when I turn on the A/C the RPM's jump from where they're idling from to almost zero then back to regular idle and when driving the truck feels like it is losing power.

2003 Ford Ranger Edge 4x4

Thanks for any help.

JT

 

What engine do you have? How many miles are on the truck? How up to date is the truck in terms of routine maintenance items?

This information is helpful to us so we can be of help to you.

 

I've had the same thing happen on my '95 2.3, but the RPMs only dropped for a second when the compressor kicked in, then jumped when the engine compensated, then dropped back to regular idle.

Also felt the drop in power when the compressor kicked back in.
Then felt the power kick up when the compressor stopped.
Repeat. Again and again and again.

Now I just roll the windows down and open the sliding glass...

Sound like anything happening with your Ranger?

 

It is a 4.0L V6. 91,000 miles. As far as maintenance I change oil and oil filter every 5,000 miles and check the air filter.

@bigbroncoguy what you described sounds more like what is going on.

Thanks

 

Welcome to FTE.

The Idle Air Control (IAC) is responsible for maintaining idle speed & over time has earned a spot high up on the idle woes suspect list, so maybe consider removing & cleaning it with a plastic safe spray cleaner, like CRC QD, or CRC or Valvolene MAF sensor cleaner & see if you get a positive result. OReillys has the CRC MAF spray cleaner on special this month.

Cleaning the IAC may not last, it didn't for me, but was a good trouble shooting step.

More thoughts for consideration, let us know how it goes.